FROM OUR NOVEMBER ISSUE: MILESTONES–55 YEARS! VALENTINO TAILORS
The entire MR team proudly presents our November 2024 issue. If you haven’t received a hard copy, please page through our digital version, and we’ll continue to post individual stories here on MR-mag.com. If you haven’t been getting MR in print, be sure that you are on our mailing list for future issues by completing this form.
New Haven, CT
Founded 1969 by Antonio Valentino, managed today by Enzo Valentino and his wife Alicia.
Background: Antonio Valentino came from Italy after learning the trade in his small town in Italy from his father, Vincenzo. In 2006, Enzo Valentino joined, making it a third-generation family business. In 2022, Enzo and his wife Alicia moved the business to Grand Avenue in New Haven, giving them more space to grow their offerings and provide an elevated experience to customers.
Mission: We view ourselves as a tailor shop that offers men’s retail, while most of our competitors are retailers who offer alterations. This allows us to focus on fit. As a manager, I try to lead by example, making sure my employees are learning new skills and growing in their career paths.
Most popular brands: Trands (MTM clothing), Barocci, Bresciani, 7 Downie St, 34 Heritage, and Bespoke Factory for made-to-order shoes.
On Partnerships: Our top vendor partners use ordering websites, allowing us to see inventory and confirm size and color availability. This also allows us to place orders and view shipping updates directly through their site. As a small business that does not carry much inventory, this instant access is critical.
Greatest challenges: Hiring and training skilled personnel. Selling high-end menswear and offering alteration services can attract retail professionals looking for something more than stocking shelves and working the cash register. But it also requires extra training to provide the knowledge, skills, and level of service needed. Our staff goes through rigorous training on our alterations process to determine client needs and properly fit each customer. As our business grows, it’s critical for us to regularly update our internal processes and adapt to client feedback.
Success Secret: We treat our customers as spokespeople and billboards. We don’t let anyone leave our shop unhappy. Performing alterations is a unique process involving a great deal of communication and collaboration. There are no shortcuts; each job demands patience and hard work. Providing alterations helps us to serve the customers who cannot shop off-the-rack for whatever reason. Offering made-to-measure clothing and made-to-order shoes has helped create a niche for us. As a family business for 55 years, we take pride in everything we do since our name is on it. We treat our customers and staff like family and look forward to serving the generations to come!